Vip Saloon News

A trio of 38-metre Flex Ferries, built by Singapore’s Penguin Shipyard International and designed by Southampton-based BMT Nigel Gee, have been delivered to their new owner, Horizon Ferries, following successful sea trials in Singapore. The BV-classed, Singapore-flagged monohull ferries – christened “Horizon 7”, “Horizon 8” and “Horizon 9” - are among only a handful of fully compliant high-speed “2000 HSC Code” monohull ferries to be designed and built in recent years. The vessels recently commenced operations between Singapore and the Indonesian island of Batam, a ferry route that is generally regarded as the most competitive in Southeast Asia.

BMT Nigel Gee (BMT), a subsidiary of BMT Group Ltd., announced its latest contract with Singapore-based Penguin Shipyard International Pte. Ltd., for the design of three 38-meter monohull high-speed passenger ferries for the busy Singapore-Indonesia ferry route. The shipbuilding subsidiary of Singapore-listed crewboat specialist Penguin International Limited recently signed a contract with Horizon Ferries Pte. Ltd. to build the three 238-passenger ferries, which will be deployed to run between Singapore and the Indonesian island of Batam.

The newest Rodriquez fast ferry, The Princess, has been delivered Arab Bridge Maritime Company of Jordan in less than 12 months. Following the primary assembly and initial outfitting at the company’s Pietra Ligure shipyard, the ship was then launched and moved for final outfitting and commissioning to another Rodriquez yard, Intermarine, in La Spezia. The TMV 84, yard number 323, follows closely on the heels of another TMV 84, the “Ramon Llull” that was delivered only two months prior to Balearia. Main engines are the MTU 595 series instead of MAN B&W’s Paxman. All four waterjets are now steerable. The passenger capacity has grown from around 450 to 710. “The Princess” can carry 654 passengers in economy class, 48 in first class and there is a luxury VIP saloon for an additional 8 people.